Exposed aggregate concrete in the Sutherland Shire
Updated October 2026
Exposed aggregate is a finish you see on many new driveways around Caringbah, Miranda and the beach suburbs. The cream is washed off the surface to reveal decorative stone, giving a tough, non-slip surface that hides dirt and suits coastal homes. We connect you with experienced, insured local concreters who do decorative work well. We are a referral service, not a concreting business, so you can compare contractors rather than take the first price.
What exposed aggregate costs
Guide pricing only. Published 2026 figures put exposed aggregate at roughly $120 to $220 per square metre laid across Australia, with Sydney guides showing around $140 at the low end and up to about $220 for premium mixes. That compares with roughly $75 to $150 for plain concrete. The gap pays for decorative aggregate, the extra finishing steps and sealing. Stone choice moves the price too, since premium pebbles cost more than standard mixes. Get a fast quote to price your job properly.
Where exposed aggregate works best
- Driveways, especially sloped ones where grip matters
- Paths and patios
- Pool surrounds, where bare feet and wet surfaces meet
- Entry courtyards and alfresco areas on new builds and duplexes
On steep blocks in Jannali, Woronora and Illawong, the textured surface gives real traction in the wet compared with a smooth trowelled finish. Around Cronulla and Kurnell, the stone-and-seal combination stands up well to salt air, provided the sealer is maintained.
How the finish is achieved
The job runs like a normal pour until the finishing stage.
1. Excavation, compacted base and formwork
2. Steel mesh reinforcement
3. The pour, using a mix batched with decorative aggregate
4. Screeding and floating without overworking the surface
5. A surface retarder applied to slow the set of the top layer
6. Washing or lightly pressure cleaning the surface the next day to expose the stone
7. Curing, control joints and a penetrating or film-forming sealer
Timing the wash-off is the skill. Too early and stone dislodges, too late and the cream will not wash clean. This is why exposed aggregate is a job for contractors who do it often.
Choosing your stone and colour
Local suppliers batch a wide range of mixes, from warm river pebbles to charcoal basalt and white quartz blends. The cement can be coloured as well, which shifts the whole tone of the finish. Ask your contractor for sample photos of recent local jobs, and look at a cured, sealed sample rather than a wet one. If you want colour without stone, see coloured concrete.
Approvals, licensing and the fine print
Check with Sutherland Shire Council for driveways crossing the footpath. A crossover permit is usually needed, and council may restrict decorative finishes on the public strip. In NSW, residential building work worth more than $5,000 (labour and materials, including GST) must be done by a licensed contractor, and most exposed aggregate driveways are above that figure. Our referral service connects you with appropriately qualified, insured contractors.
Site and weather factors
Price movers are the same as any pour, with a couple of extras.
- Pump access on steep or tight blocks adds cost
- Demolition of old concrete adds to the quote
- Reactive clay soils around Menai can call for a stronger slab design
- Hot summer days make retarder timing harder, so expect early starts
- Rain on wash-off day can delay the job
Lifespan and upkeep
Expect 25 to 40 years or more from a well built exposed aggregate surface. The main maintenance item is resealing, typically every two to five years depending on traffic and sun exposure. Resealing keeps the stone colour rich and protects against oil stains and coastal salt.
Ready to compare local decorative concreters? Get a fast quote.
Frequently asked questions
Is exposed aggregate slippery when wet?
It is one of the better finishes for wet grip because the exposed stone gives texture underfoot and under tyres. That is why it is popular on sloped Shire driveways and pool surrounds.
How often does exposed aggregate need resealing?
Most contractors suggest every two to five years. Driveways in full sun or near the coast at Cronulla and Kurnell sit at the shorter end of that range.
Can I match an existing exposed aggregate section?
Sometimes, but an exact match is hard. Aggregate blends change over time and wash-off depth varies between pours. A good contractor will get close with supplier samples, or suggest a deliberate contrast band instead.
Does exposed aggregate cost much more than plain concrete?
Yes, typically. Published 2026 guides show roughly $120 to $220 per square metre against about $75 to $150 for plain concrete. The premium covers decorative stone, extra finishing work and sealing.